Dan GSR

Your problem is rust, if you use a propane or map gas torch to heat it till its red hot the rust will soften, and allow you to very sinply unscrew the nuts. Saves a boat load of time

patriot993

sounds like a time saver, but I have to admit I am a bit leery of using a propane torch back there. I suppose be worth giving it a go; I can always go back to the slow cutting approach.

Thanks!

Dan GSR

Why? The inside of the pipe holds controlled explosions of gasoline

patriot993

true

But if I recall when I was using the Dremel there were some hoses or other non-metal parts in the vicinity. Will give it a go once I am back home this weekend to continue the process. My recollection is probably off and the torch will be fine.

thanks

Carmichael

Buy a mapp gas torch and some Aerokroil. Heat up the nut, then hit it with the Kroil.

Or some of the Loctite Freeze-Off cryogenic penetrating oil.

All else fails, chop off the nut/bolt and get stainless steel replacement fasteners at Sears Hardware.

awfilms

Your car will be fine bud. Small metal shavings aren't going to do anything.

dc2000

Patriot993! Before you do anything, read this!

I ran into the same issue. Rather than trying to loosen the bolts, just tighten them. You'll snap the nut portion right off and can extract the remainder of the bolt. If you strip the head in the process, just use a size smaller socket and whack it on with a hammer. I did this and removed all the bolts with exception of the really tough to reach one that holds the muffler to the car.

Bruce In Philly

I agree (great ideas!), brute force works here. If the nuts are rusty looking..... screw'm, wack'm, break'm. You should see what a good shop tech will do when you aren't looking.... yikes .....

Peace
Bruce in Philly

patriot993

OK -this will be first line of attack...

then torch...

then Dremel cutter!

MaddMike

I was installing the SharkWerks X pipe last weekend and I ended up shearing two bolts off trying to loosen them. This is after letting them sit overnight in PB Blaster. I had to use a torch to heat and bang out the bolts. I replaced with SS and put some Antisize on the thread for next time.

patriot993

SUCCESS! Thanks for all of the help guys.

Does anyone know the size of the bolts that I was having difficulty with in my original post? I want to replace them with stainless steel.

patriot993

Metric stainless bolts are a pain to find...at least here in the boonies of Indiana.

Any harm in switching to US sizing vs. metric for bolts and nuts that are used on the pipe clamps? I was able to find stainless nuts for the studs on the muffler bracket.

From a purist standpoint, hate to deviate from the OEM sizing but didn't feel like paying shipping and such from internet when my local hardware store could provide me US bolts at a great price.

patriot993

All installed! Now just need weather to change so I can take her for a spin - thanks to everyone for the help and advice.

Darin sold me a pair of "S" tips and modified my exhaust pipe so they would fit - looks so much better than the oval tips that came with the car.

r_32

Congrats getting it done. You will love the sound when the weather was up and you get the windows open. I am itching for the weather turn as well here in KY.

Sneaky Pete

David.....you are going to love them. Darin is a great guy!